Petite Lookbook: Crochet and the Blues

A few weeks ago I saw this darling skirt on ModCloth and fell in love. It had poor reviews, but upon a closer read, I saw most purchasers were just disgruntled at how small/short it ran (jackpot!). The skirt was sold out then, so I signed up for a restock notification. Last week, an S popped back, and I pounced.

Top: Converse for Target chambray shirt, sz XS (taken in) (buy here)

Jacket: H&M sz 2   Belt: came w/ Forever 21 shorts

Skirt: Social Hour Skirt sz S courtesy of Modcloth

Shoes: I.N.C. (old) (similar here) 

Bag: B.R. Satchel (old)

For those of you who aren't familiar with ModCloth, it's an online retailer founded by a husband-and-wife team who love thrift shopping for vintage finds. A lot of their apparel is hand-picked from smaller, indie designers, and they also have true vintage finds up for sale. New arrivals are updated daily, and the cutest items sell out fast. Shipping is a $7 flat rate, and return shipping is free.

On this sunny but brisk afternoon, I grabbed my trusty chambray shirt and layered on an H&M woven blazer (recent, $34.95). A bright satchel added another dimension of blue, and juicy orange nails brought a spark of interest. I stuck with earthy brown accessories to tie the look together.

This is the same top/belt ensemble as my last outfit post, which just shows how versatile & loved they are.

I realize low-heeled shoes with busy ankle straps do nothing for short legs, but I don't mind. I love the casual-chic look of ankle straps plus the comfort of these low wedges.

For a size S, this skirt runs small but still does not fit me perfectly. It fits similar to a size S from Forever21, and sits lower on my hips. I'm using a wide elastic belt to hold it up higher. This causes bunchiness problems with the lining as I walk, but I still don't feel compelled to get alterations.

For those interested in a dressier, more conservative rendition of this skirt, check out the Ann Taylor Factory (outlet store). My special visitor Jen and I had a field day with these. The skirt retails for $89 and the dress retails for $198 (awfully high for the outlet, I know), but the crochet is heavy and gorgeous in person. When Ann Taylor (regular) came out with this last year, it sold out within days.

The sales weren't too stellar this weekend, and alterations are going to be costly, but I brought this dress home with me to contemplate.